Eric Walling teeing off in the final round of the Master Flight. Walling and Smith won the flight with a score of 199 in the 2022 Member-Guest Tournament. Walling returns with a new partner, Ryan Hagen, this year, where they will be up against some tough competition. (Photo by Morgan Golliver)

NORWICH – The Canasawacta Country Club is ready to welcome 100 teams with 200 players for its 65th annual member-guest tournament. Practice rounds begin on Wednesday, August 2 with the tournament officially kicking off on Thursday, August 3 and concluding on Saturday, August 5.

Since the tournament’s inaugural start in 1958, it has grown in popularity.

“We are proud of tradition,” Tim Carson, owner and superintendent at the Country Club said. “ The people and the club make this tournament so special and it’s carried on by everyone’s dedication.”

The Carson family were grateful to take over the tournament in 1984 and looks forward to the event every summer. Carson also mentioned that this tournament is one of the few tournaments today to go on for three days instead of two, proving how committed the local golfers are.

This year’s tournament format will stay the same, but will have nine flights instead of eight to accommodate the 100 teams. Last year, there were eight flights, 90 teams, and 180 players.

Also, the tournament will see around 20 new players competing this year, showing an increase in popularity.

“Everyone heard how great the tournament has been in the past and want to be involved,” Carson said. “New players will find that one round can be very exciting, but can see it turn around very quick as golf is a challenging sport.”

Last year, Eric Walling and his partner Brett Smith won the top master’s flight with the lowest score of a 199. Unfortunately, the pair are not able to defend their win this time, but Walling is back with new partner, Ryan Hagen. Walling and Hagen will definitely have some tough competition to face, especially with contenders Bob and Michael Branham and Matt Burrell and Craig Dawson, who have all seen their share of tournament wins.

The Carson family will also be well-represented as Tim and his four sons (Brian, David, Danny, and Michael) are participating. Tim and his partner Scott Seiler Sr. won the Oakmont flight last year with David Carson and Timmy Clark behind them.

Besides the Carson family, the Johnson family are strong contenders as well. Ryan Johnson is playing with his father Jeff while his brother Corey is playing with well-known Bob Adsit this year. Adsit and partner Dave Cappadonia finished second to Walling and Smith last year.

The Evening Sun will have a full publication of the tournament pairings in Wednesday’s edition. Good luck to all golfers.